Raccoons are intelligent and adaptable animals, but they can also be a nuisance. If you have raccoons on your property, you may be wondering how to get rid of them. There are a number of ways to control raccoons, but the best approach will depend on the specific situation.

In this blog post, we will discuss the different ways to get rid of raccoons, including prevention, removal, and trapping. We will also provide some important safety tips for dealing with raccoons.

What are raccoons?

Raccoons are mammals native to North America. They are the largest of the procyonid family, having a body length of 40 to 70 cm, and a body weight of 5 to 26 kg. Raccoons are known for their intelligence, adaptability, and opportunistic feeding habits. They are omnivores, and their diet includes a variety of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, insects, small animals, and garbage.

Raccoons are nocturnal animals, meaning that they are most active at night. They are also social animals, and they often live in groups called gangs. Raccoons are highly adaptable, and they can live in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, urban areas, and even agricultural areas.

Raccoons are an important part of the North American ecosystem. They play a role in seed dispersal and pest control. However, raccoons can also be considered a nuisance animal, as they can damage property and carry diseases.

Here are some additional facts about raccoons.

• Raccoons are very intelligent animals. They have been known to solve puzzles and open doors.
• Raccoons have very good dexterity. They are able to use their hands to pick up and manipulate objects.
• Raccoons are very good swimmers. They can swim up to 5 miles per hour.
• Raccoons are very social animals. They live in groups called gangs, which can consist of up to 20 individuals.
• Raccoons are omnivores, meaning that they eat both plants and animals. Their diet includes fruits, vegetables, insects, small animals, and garbage.

Raccoons can be fascinating animals, but they can also be a nuisance. If you have raccoons on your property, it is important to take steps to deter them or remove them safely.

Why do raccoons need to be controlled?

Raccoons need to be controlled for a number of reasons, including.

• Property damage: Raccoons can cause significant damage to property, such as attics, gardens, and trash cans. They are also known to chew on electrical wires, which can create a fire hazard.
• Disease transmission: Raccoons can carry a number of diseases, such as rabies, leptospirosis, and roundworm. These diseases can be transmitted to humans and pets through bites, scratches, or contact with contaminated feces.
• Aggression: Raccoons can be aggressive, especially towards pets and humans who they perceive as a threat. Raccoons have been known to attack people, especially children.

Raccoon control is especially important in urban areas, where raccoons are more likely to come into contact with humans and pets. Raccoons can also be a problem in agricultural areas, where they can damage crops and livestock.

There are a number of ways to control raccoons, including.

• Prevention: The best way to control raccoons is to prevent them from coming onto your property in the first place. This can be done by sealing up any holes or cracks in your home or garage, keeping trash cans tightly closed, and removing any food or water sources from your property.
• Removal: If you have raccoons on your property, you may need to contact a professional pest control company to have them removed. There are also a number of DIY methods that can be used, such as trapping or repellents.

It is important to note that raccoon control should be done safely and humanely. Raccoons are wild animals, and they can be dangerous if they are cornered or feel threatened. If you are unsure how to control raccoons on your property, it is best to contact a professional.

How to get rid of raccoons

Prevention

The best way to control raccoons is to prevent them from coming onto your property in the first place. This can be done by.

• Sealing up any holes or cracks in your home or garage. Raccoons are very good at finding and exploiting even small openings. Check your home and garage carefully for any openings, and seal them up with caulk or another sealant.
• Keeping trash cans tightly closed. Raccoons are attracted to food sources, so it is important to keep your trash cans tightly closed. If you have a lidded trash can, make sure that the lid is secure. If you have an open-top trash can, consider using a bungee cord or other method to secure the trash bag.
• Removing any food or water sources from your property. Raccoons are also attracted to water sources, so it is important to remove any standing water from your property. This includes birdbaths, pet food dishes, and even puddles.
• Trimming trees and shrubs around your home. Raccoons use trees and shrubs to travel and hide. Trimming trees and shrubs around your home can make it more difficult for raccoons to access your property.

In addition to these general prevention tips, there are a number of specific things you can do to prevent raccoons from entering certain areas of your property. For example.

• To prevent raccoons from entering your attic, install a chimney cap and seal up any other openings in the roof.
• To prevent raccoons from entering your garden, install a fence or other barrier around the perimeter of the garden.
• To prevent raccoons from entering your chicken coop, install a sturdy door and lock it at night.

By taking these preventive measures, you can make your property less attractive to raccoons and reduce the likelihood of them becoming a problem.

Removal

If you have raccoons on your property, you may need to contact a professional pest control company to have them removed. There are also a number of DIY methods that can be used, such as trapping or repellents.

Trapping

If you choose to trap raccoons, be sure to use a live trap that is large enough for the animal. Place the trap in an area where the raccoon is known to frequent. Bait the trap with a food that the raccoon is likely to eat, such as fruit or vegetables. Once the raccoon is trapped, contact a pest control company or animal control to have it removed.

Repellents

There are a number of commercial repellents available that can be used to deter raccoons from your property. These repellents typically contain essential oils or other natural ingredients that are unpleasant to raccoons. Repellents should be applied to areas where the raccoon is known to frequent, such as around trash cans or under decks.

Important safety note: It is important to note that raccoons can be dangerous animals, especially if they are cornered or feel threatened. If you encounter a raccoon, do not try to approach it or remove it yourself. Contact a professional pest control company or animal control to have the animal removed safely.

Here are some additional tips for removing raccoons safely and humanely.

• Wear gloves and protective clothing when handling a raccoon trap.
• Place the trap in a safe location where it will not be disturbed by children or pets.
• Check the trap regularly and remove the raccoon promptly once it has been trapped.
• If you are unable to remove the raccoon yourself, contact a professional pest control company or animal control.

Please note that it is important to check your local laws and regulations before trapping or removing raccoons. In some areas, it is illegal to trap or remove raccoons without a license.